“We have made great progress in moving our state forward, but there’s more to be done to help working families on Long Island get ahead. Today, the Governor announced a plan to make New York the first state in the nation to enact a $15 minimum wage for all workers. This has been one of my top priorities, because no one who works full time should live in poverty.

The governor’s plan to transform and expand vital infrastructure downstate and make critical investments in the region is an exciting opportunity. Most notably, the proposal includes a major expansion and improvement project for the Long Island Rail Road between Floral Park and Hicksville. We desperately need 21st Century infrastructure to support our daily commutes and our livelihoods.

The governor has provided some key ideas for strengthening the education system. That system fails without parental consent. We must continue to ensure our schools receive critical funding they need and we must reform Common Core so that it works for our students and teachers.

Finally, we need to hold politicians accountable for their actions and restore the public trust in government. We must turn our focus toward working together to craft another on-time, fiscally responsible state budget that continues moving our state forward and helps all New Yorkers get ahead. I am excited to begin working this session to help families on Long Island.”